NBA Draft 2022 Rumors: Knicks, 76ers Could Trade First-Round Picks

A few teams are likely to trade their first-round picks in the 2022 NBA Draft. The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers appear to be two of the top candidates to unload their selection Thursday night.

If any team is going to trade its first-round pick before going on the clock, it might be the 76ers. Philadelphia is shopping the No. 23 overall pick and All-Defense selection Matisse Thybulle in order to create salary-cap space, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

The 76ers are reportedly interested in signing veteran forward P.J. Tucker with any cap space that it might be able to create. Philadelphia President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey has a long history of trading first-round picks.

Despite being named to his second straight All-Defensive Second Team, Thybulle only received limited playing time in the postseason because of his struggles on offense. The 76ers were eliminated by the Miami Heat in the second round of the playoffs.

The Knicks didn’t even reach the play-in tournament this past season. New York is expected to seriously explore trading the No. 11 overall pick in order to potentially add one of the best free agents on the market.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Knicks could clear cap space by trading their first-rounder and a veteran, such as Kemba Walker or Alec Burks. Jalen Brunson is viewed as the Knicks’ top target in free agency.

Reports indicate that Brunson is heavily favored to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks. If the Knicks can’t land Brunson, they might consider trading the No. 11 pick in a deal for Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon.

New York’s top priority this offseason is adding a starting point guard.

The Knicks might prefer to trade up in the draft and select Purdue guard Jaden Ivey. Ivey could be gone by the No. 5 pick, and New York probably won’t be able to move up that many spots in the draft.

There are rumors that the Knicks could try to sign Kyrie Irving if he becomes a free agent.